To take dd to A&E or wait to see GP

[Dewdrops1]

Hi all?

I know you can’t diagnose on here but concerned I may be wasting A&Es precious resources instead of waiting to see GP tomorrow.

we’ve just come back from holiday in Europe. 2 days ago DD who is teenager woke with a big egg sized lump on one side of forehead. No injury. She said she did squeeze a spot gently but not sure if that did it. Nothing obvious seen other than swelling. Yesterday the lump went down but the swelling spread to center of forehead and in between eyes and top of nose. The swelling has ‘flattened’ out but over a larger area and makes her forehead look slightly distorted. There’s no redness but is slightly warm to touch and tender. Dd said it’s giving her a slight headache and uncomfortable feeling.

Im worried it could be some sort of infection and it’s going near her eyes, or could it be a bug bite and I’m overthinking. So would you take her to A&E or go to GP tomorrow? The swelling isn’t massive but never experienced swelling spreading on forehead like that before (moved away from original lump) so not sure if it’s something I need to be concerned about (also nothing similar on google).

thanks for your advice in advance 🙂

111 thought my husband was having a serious cardiac issue but said someone would call
him back. It took hours. If they’ve said they’ll call you back don’t wait go to a and e now

Just had callback from GP, he didn’t seem too bothered tbh, said swelling can sometimes act that way because of gravity. They’ve given me an appointment for an hours time though so that was quick.

A & E

Looks like a localised insect bite that's swelling under the skin. I've had a few like it and a few doses of antihistamine should help and steroid topical cream.

Never had it on my face, just my arm and leg but yes, started with the swelling which felt mildly tender but didn't look a different colour, then gradually got redder over a couple of days as it spread - on two occasions the redness was just streaks rather than all over. I've only felt actually ill with it once and that came on really rapidly while I was taking oral antibiotics I'd been prescribed that morning once I'd seen the streaks - the GP I'd seen had told me to go to A&E if it kept spreading or I felt unwell, so that's where I went and they put me on IV. They wanted to keep me in but eventually allowed me to just keep going back every day for 3 days for IV treatment. It really can get a lot worse very quickly so I'm glad you've contacted 111.

Gravity does not cause swelling to expand and move sideways.

Given how long it can be for a call back, I'm still waiting for 111 and it's been YEARS, you really should be going to hospital now. So many of us have had this or similar with our dc. Don't understand why you're happy to risk your child's health.

Op will you be seeing the same relaxed doc?

For all the "A&E NOW" responses - a GP in an hour is far more practical than waiting in A&E until 2am. That's why OOH GPs are so valuable.

You've missed the update. She's already spoken to a Dr and sees them in an hour.

Go to A&E - you do not know if any internal swelling is happening and that's quite expansive swelling externally as is. It's probably an infected bite and reaction - given the extent of it, it's probably beyond antihistamine and hydrocortisone, and may need IV meds.

This is what I was thinking @ButtSurgery , was in a&e a few weeks ago with another dd, waited for hours and hours, they were so busy, hence the original question🤦🏻‍♀️

I hope not @DeerOhDear 🤦🏻‍♀️

If your not convinced by doc you can still try a and e

Please ring 111 for medical advice not mumsnet . It’s not good parenting

Glad she's being seen.

You’re really fortunate to have got the doctors appointment, that’s the absolute best result for you

Just seeing this. Thank you for replying @ApiratesaysYarrr with useful info. Just looked it up and very similar symptoms. She hasn’t had sinus infection that I know of but does sound nasally. Would the swelling spread down between her eyes so quickly?

Weekend GP appt is the ideal. They will refer to a&e if needed.

I think it could well be cellulitis. I’d ring 111 ASAP and they may give you a reference number for A&E.

I was planning on seeking medical attention but sometimes it’s useful to seek advice from others before doing so, as you would a friend or family member. As I said in my original question I’m not on here for a diagnosis but advice. I’ve got an appointment with a gp now but thanks for the support in implying I’m not a good parent for seeking advice on here first@LupinLucyCurlyHair

I had a similar thing a couple of years ago, an insect bite, I think, I could see the infection spreading over a few hours, and my glands were going up as they fought the infection. 111 sent me to an emergency doctor, within two hours I was seen and put on antibiotics.

Thanks for your advice everyone. I’m off to appointment now. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious.

A&E could be cellulitis

Swelling can move - I know from someone I follow on social media but her son’s was an injury. Glad you’re getting checked